Concrete construction



April 14, 1936. G R, CQNAHEY,.JR 2,U37,U07

- CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 4 Filed July 9, 1952 a 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 1 ,1936. G. R. CONAHEY, JR

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Filed July 9, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 N1 l I l l l I ll April 1 a. R. CONAHEY, JR

CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 9, 1932 III/IIIIIIII'. 111111111111 Patented Apr. 14, 1936 UNITED STATES- PATENT O FEICE 12 Claims.

The invention relates to concrete construe? tions and has for its objects to provide a new and improved method and apparatus for obtaining rapid evaporation and draining of surplus water and occluded moisture present as a result of pouring, the concrete or which may be subsequently. acquired. My improved method and apparatus obtains these useful advantages regardless of; the particular nature and purpose of the concrete construction and may be obtained as an incident to the erection of concrete structures generally.

The invention is of particular utility in the construction of concrete residences and thelike, especially the supporting and retaining walls and floors of such residenceswhere the rapid removal of surplus water and subsequent moisture is necessary both before and after the concrete has set.

I attain the general objects of my invention by the provision of specially constructed studding members which are arranged to receive and drain surplus water of the concrete mixture, said studding members being combined with a plurality of ventilating channels adjacent all portions of the concrete from which the surplus moistureis to be drained. I thereby obtain an actual draining of the greater part of the moisture and a continuous surface evaporation by means of the air channels to completely dry out the concrete structural elements in connection with which my improvements are used.

A further object of the invention is to provide a concrete building structure in which provision is made for completely ventilating the walls or other structural elements by means of ventilated air spaces or channels which are connected with the exterior of the building to insure continuous and uninterrupted air circulation, both as an incident to the construction of the building and toits subsequent use. Air for ventilation is taken from outside and is returned to outside and does not enter into the rooms in the building.

A-further object of the invention is to provide means forco-nvenient attachment or securing of the interior wall finish and decoration. The concrete wall constructed in accordance with my invention needs no special treatment to render it fireproof and weather resistant and is further protected and insured against a minimum inclusion or absorption of moisture under any and all conditions. This renders the finished building suitable for immediate occupancy under healthful conditions, and the provision of the meansfor continuous air circulation is to insure dry walls and as, an aid to insulating the building.

A further object of the invention is to provide accurate spacing means for the usual metallic or other reinforcement for the concrete wall, which-spacing, means are utilized also in draining the moisture'from the finished wall and insuring continuous air circulation in proximity thereto;

Agstudy; of the causes of the dampness heretofore present in concrete walls has shown that the water entering into the walls comes from four sources. The first source is the mixing water used with the masonry materials in constructing the walls. The second source isthe actual leaks through the walls from rain or water drawn by capillary action from the outer surfaceduring a rain. A third source consists of 3 water drawn from the earth surrounding the foundation by capillary action up into the wall. The fourth source is the water condensed on thelwall .when it is colder than the surrounding air. My method of constructing the wall eliminates the disadvantages resulting from dampness from any of these sources.

The art of making concrete is constantly changing and new methods for preparing and using/concrete are constantly being developed. Until the past few years forms for concrete were made of a poor grade of lumber which was finished only on one side. This lumber could not be fitted together to make a watertight form. When the concrete was poured in forms of this character the excess mixing water would leak out through the cracks and holes in the forms. With this type of form objectionable fins. were formed on the concrete wall as a result of leakage of the mortar into the cracks in the forms. Stone pockets were formed because the water would wash the cement and mortar out through one or more holes of material size in the forms.

These. fins and stone pockets made it difiicult to complete the wall surface to result in the desired finished appearance. Should the forms be constructed watertight to prevent the formation of the described fins and stone pockets, the excess mixing water showed a tendency to wash fine sand, loam, clay and cement particles from the body of the concrete to the top of the mass. When the water on top of the concrete is removed by dipping with a bucket, by pumping or by natural evaporation, a layer of fine material or residue forms on the surface of the concrete. This layer of fine material varies in thickness depending upon the height and thickness of the wall section, the quantity of water used to mix the batch, the cleanliness of the aggregates, etc. This layer is usually called laitance. It never develops very much strength, weathers badly and prevents the proper bonding of the next layer of concrete to the one in place. When this laitance is left in the concrete and exposed to the weather it erodes rapidly and leaves a streak on the wall. This streak is of common occurrence and is called a days pour mark". When my improved porous inserts are employed in the forms the excess water is drained off from the sides so that it does not rise to the top surface. The laitance is thereby eliminated and the described pour marks do not form.

A further advantage resulting from the use of my porous inserts in the construction is the rapid removal of the mixing water from the concrete and consequently a material reduction in pressure against the forms. When the concrete is first mixed and confined in a plastic condition it exerts a material outward pressure against the forms as would any semi-plastic or fluid material. After the mixing water is evaporated or otherwise removed from the mass, the concrete loses its semi-plastic or fluid condition and more resembles a granular mass which exerts considerably less pressure on the forms.

By my invention the roofs of dwelling houses and other structures may be constructed of concrete or they may be made of other materials. Likewise the floors may be constructed of wood or steel or a combination of materials instead of concrete alone.

With such objects in View, as well as other advantages which may be incident to the use of the improvements, the invention consists in the procedure, and in the use of the parts and combinations thereof hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements constituting the same may be varied in proportions and arrangement without departing from the nature and scope of the invention.

In order to make the invention more clearly understood there are shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical effect, without limiting the improvements, in their useful applications, to the particular constructions which, for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

In the said drawings:

Fig. l is a perspective view, partly in section of a portion of a concrete building or dwelling constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section somewhat en-v larged immediately below the first floor of the entire building.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line 33 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a slightly enlarged vertical transverse section through the upper or roof portion of the building illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal section on line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a detail vertical transverse section through the upper side wall of a building and showing provision for draining the under side of the roofing element.

Fig. 7 is a detail horizontal section through a concrete wall or roofing element illustrating a slight modification of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section through the side wall and showing a modification of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a detail vertical section on line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a transverse vertical section through a side or end wall showing the waterproofing course at the foundation thereof.

Fig. 11 is an end View of the concerete forms arranged for convenient insertion of the improved porous studding or wall inserts.

Fig. 12 is a top plan View of the same.

Referring to the drawings, the invention is illustrated as embodying a building or residence having side walls I and end walls la which may be cast in place or precast of concrete. Said walls have embedded therein or adjacent thereto a plurality of spaced vertically disposed side and end studding or insert members 2 and 2 preferably of relatively light and porous cinder concrete. The studding members are arranged in the forms before the concrete is poured, and preferably are embedded in the concrete for a portion of their thickness as shown. The studding members 2 and 2 may extend for the full height of the building or consist of aligned or spaced sections depending upon structural requirements. As illustrated the alternate studding members terminate short of the basement fioor slab 3 as indicated at 3 (Fig. 1), and spaces 4 are provided for convenience, between the studding sections at various locations along their longitudinal extent to insure air circulation to all concrete parts of the building. The building further comprises the usual foundations 5, upper and lower flooring elements or slabs 6 and 'I and integrally or otherwise formed inclined roofing elements 8. cated at 9 and. may be of concrete or other masonry and is provided with flue liner section III and surrounding superposed air space sections I I, II II the former communicating at its top with the outside air but may be closed, the sections being formed by means of horizontally disposed spaced partition members I2, I2 Suitable vents or apertures I3, I 3 afford communication between the lower air space compartments Il II and the outside air and a duct I4 is or may be provided for connection with a furnace (not shown).

Each inclined roofing slab or element 8 is or may be provided with embedded and spaced porous studding members I5, said studding members I preferably terminating immediately sho'rt of and adjacent the ridge or apex of the roof as indicated at I6, (Figs. 3 and 4). 7

Each flooring section or element 6 and I has disposed therein a plurality of partially embedded longitudinally extending spaced horizontal stud members I! and I8 respectively which may extend the full length of the building or may be longitudinally spaced if desired and depending upon requirements.

(The completed structure is illustrated as having interior side and end wall linings I9, I9 which may consist of insulating board, lath and plaster or other suitable material, said interior walls being secured in any desired manner to the porous vertical stud members 2 and 2 A similar facing or lining 20 and 2i to form a ceiling is provided beneath each of the floor sections 6 and 1 respectively, said ceiling lining also being formed of any desired material and suitably secured to the lower sides of the horizontal studding elements I! and I 8.

A similar interior ceiling 22, preferably of insulating material is secured to the under side of the inclined porous studding members I5 partially The chimney element is indiembedded in the roofing slabs 8 of the building. The porous construction, such as cinder concrete, of the vertical, horizontal and inclined stud members, permits convenient attachment of the wall and ceiling liring by means of nails if desired. In the event the described interior finish of the structure formed of lath and plaster, the lathe will be tacked to the studding elements and the plaster applied thereover and the interior finish thereby fixed securely in positions I By the described construction I obtain a series of communicating air spaces or passages between the outer and inner walls of the building. The superposed or vertically spaced air channels or passages at the sides of the building are indicated at 23*, the end channels 2d, 24 24 the floor channels or spaces 25, 25 and inclined channels or passages 26 beneath the roofing slabs. The vertical side and end stud members 2, 2 divide the corresponding wall passages into a series of separate air channels, while the horizontal studding members. ll and is of the upper and lower floor sections similarly divide. the air passages 25 into a plurality of separate channels. Similar spaced air channels 26 below the inclined roofing sections are maintained by the inclined stud members 55, the former communicating with a longitudinal passage or duct 39 extending along the ridge for the entire length of the building. 'Any desired number of these collecting ducts 39 may be provided depending upon the structural characteristics and configuration of the roof.

A distributing system for introducing exterior air, which may or not be heated, to all of the described air channels is provided and in. the embodiment illustrated consists of a pipe or conduit 2? suitably supported beneath the lower floor slab 7, said conduit'communicating atone end with a connection set in a side wall l and in turn communicating with the lower air space I I" surrounding the flue liner of the chimney. One end of the transverse conduit 2? communicates at each side with a pair of right angularly disposed longitudinal conduits 28 extending from end to end of the building beneath the floor I, and the opposite end of cond "t communicates with one or more right angularly disposed longitudinal connections Sit also extending from end to end of the building and suitably secured beneath the floor 'l (as best seen in Fig. 2). Said conduits 2 and 39 are preferably arranged adjacent the side walls of the building. A plurality of apertures Si in transverse conduit 2'! afford communication each between said conduit and one of the longitudinal air passages 2i) extending the full length of the building between the spaced horizontal studding elements I8 beneath the floor slab i. The opposite ends of the floor air spaces 25 communicate with the intermediate vertically extending air spaces E l between the vertically disposed stud members 2 in the end walls. Communication with side air channels-23 23 is afiorded by means of apertures 32 in longitudinal pipe members 29 and 36 and. registering apertures 33 in floor slab 1 adjacent the side walls of the building. 7

End apertures 34 in floor slab l afford communication between horizontal air 7 channels 25 lower vertical end channels 26 and intermediate vertical air channels 24 A similar air distributing system is or may be disposed beneath each fioor of the building. Referring to Fig. 1 this air distributing system be- .conduit 35.

neath the upper floor slab is generally similar to that described beneath floor section I, with the exception that transverse duct 55 communicating with air space H and communicating branch pipes 36 and 35 along the sides of the building are disposed in the same horizontal plane as upper horizontal stud members ll, rather than below said stud members: as in the case of pipes 21, 29 and 30. (See Fig. 3.) For this purpose the horizontal stud members ii terminate immediately adjacent transverse pipe. 35 or may extend the full length of the building and are suitably cut away or recessed for the insertion of the Communication between branch pipes 36 and the upper vertical air channels 23 is afforded by a plurality of apertures 31 in one side of pipe 35, one for each vertical air channel which apertures in turn communicate through registering apertures 38 in floor section 5 with the upper vertical air channels 23. The horizontal air channels 25 beneath floor section 6 receive air circulation, each from one of a series of spaced apertures til disposed in horizontal alignment in each side wall of conduit 35. The

air from horizontal channels 25 is conducted to upper vertical end channels M by means of spaced horizontal apertures M at each end of the floor section 6.

The longitudinal air channel 39 extending the full length of the building at the ridge thereof T communicates respectively with inclined side air channels 26 in turn communicating with said vertical channels 23, and the end air channels 24. The studding members 2 in the end walls of the building are preferably cutaway as indicated at 42 to permit free air circulation from the end wall channels into the ridge channel 39. A ventilator element 43 one in each end wall of the building affords communication between the described end and side air channels of the building with the outside air, and if desired a suitable fan or blower may be positioned adjacent said ventilator to promote the air circulation as described.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the side wall stud members 2 not only define and space the vertical air channels 23 but also by reason of their porous nature afford means for draining and evaporating the surplus water from the side walls immediately after the concrete is poured.

The spacing of the porous stud members 2 facilitates this drainage and evaporation of water and moisture from all parts of the side walls.

In a similar manner the end studding elements 2 provide means for rapidly draining and evapcrating surplus water resulting from pouring the concrete of which the end walls are constituted.

The spaced horizontally disposed studding elements I! and i8, defining the horizontal upper and lower air circulation passages. 25, 25 serve to drainand evaporate the surplus water from the respective floor slabs in which they are embedded, and the inclined porous studding members l5 serve the same function in regard to the roof sections or elements 8.

The describe-d air channels in the side and end walls and beneath the floor slabs provide access for continuous air circulation to exposed faces of these elements, thereby cooperating with the porous studding elements to quickly evaporate and remove all moisture from the concrete portions of the structure.

It will further be noted that the described continuous air circulation obtains during all conditions of drying out and subsequent use of the building and is insulated from the interior of the structure which may be independently ventilated.

The walls and floors are preferably reinforced by metal rods or sheets placed in the forms prior to pouring the concrete. Such metal reinforcement is indicated for example at 45 and 46 in the drawings. The sheets or rods 45, constituting the inner reinforcement of a wall, roofing or floor slab, depending upon the thickness of the slab structure and the desirability of employing more than one reinforcement therein, may be conveniently and accurately positioned by utilizing the inner faces of the studding members present in the slab as a support for the reinforcement, prior to pouring the concrete, as will be clearly apparent from the drawings.

As best seen in Figs. 3 and 6, a waterproof course, lining or sheet 41 may constitute the bottom of the inclined roof channels 26 being interposed between the latter and the inner ceiling insulation, said channels being prolonged at spaced intervals as at 48 through the side walls to direct water or moisture accumulations into an eaves trough or gutter 49. The lining 41 is provided at spaced intervals with walled apertures 50 to permit free air circulation and communication between wall and roof channels 23 and 26, without permitting the drainage of moisture into the former of said channels.

An insulating layer 5| of waterproofing material is or may be disposed at any desired or preferred elevation in the side and end walls (Figs. 1 and to insure against any tendency of the walls to draw moisture by capillary action from the earth surrounding the foundations.

The usual flooring 52 is preferably installed above the concrete fioor slabs 6 and I, and may be spaced therefrom by supporting sleepers 53.

My invention is not limited to buildings with all structural parts made of concrete. The distributing ventilating ducts or pipes, the wall air spaces and the air collecting ducts can be built into practically all types of structures in which dry walls are desired. In Figs. 8 and 9 a section of a building with wooden rafters 54, wooden ceiling beams 55 and wooden fioor beams 56 are shown used with a concrete wall structure built according to my described invention with the porous inserts and the interposed connecting ventilating spaces or channels. Steel or other types or rafters and beams may be used with walls constructed according to my invention, it being only necessary to cast or form the proper sized openings in the walls for the reception and connection of these steel or other types of beams, rafters, etc.

Fig. 10 is a section through the foundation wall showing reinforcing 46 in the floor slab and the outside wall with dowels extending from the foundation wall into the floor and wall slabs. These dowels 5? are inserted as required to insure proper anchorage of the structure to the foundation. The waterproofing course or liner 5i at the top of the foundation wall serves as a permanent barrier against the capillary attraction of moisture from the soil surrounding the foundation up into the walls and floors of the structure.

In Fig. 11 is shown an end view of one method of constructing forms with the porous inserts 2 to extend from the surface of the wall. Fig. 12 is a plan of these forms. The form linings 58 are made up of rough or finished lumber, or specialmaterials such as steel sheets or Prestwood" or Plywood, either with or without special lining to produce the desired texture on the concrete surface. Vertical braces 59 are attached to the linings to insure that they are rigid and in proper vertical alignment. Wallers or horizontal braces 60 are placed outside of the vertical braces 59 to insure proper alignment and insure proper strength to the forms. Bolts 6| with spreader attachments may be used to insure proper spacing of the forms. The tops of the forms may be held in place by means of top braces 62. The lining 58 of the forms to be used on the sides in which the porous inserts are to be used are preferably made up in sections so as to give the proper spacing of the porous inserts 2. Along the edges of the braces 59 of these sections small strips 63 of wood or other material may be attached to insure the proper alignment of the porous inserts.

In constructing the building illustrated in the drawings the necessary excavation is made for the placement of the footings or foundations 5. Any preferred drainage system (not shown) if of course provided as an incident to laying the foundations. The forms illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 are installed above the foundations and define the lower end and side walls. The metal reinforcement is placed in position and at least one layer thereof is preferably attached to the inner surface of the porous studding members after which the concrete is poured. The studding elements incorporated in the walls afford rapid drainage of surplus water and thereby insure against the formation of a surface accumulation of fine material and water on the top of the basement walls commonly called laitance. The waterproofing course 5| may be inserted at the desired elevation of the basement walls after the latter have set. The basement wall forms are then removed and utilized to define the limits and configuration of the upper side and end walls of the building. The studding elements and metal reinforcement are interposed in the same general manner, being varied to satisfy architectural and structural requirements as to position and spacing. The studding in the upper walls serves to remove the surplus water of the concrete mixture in a manner described to insure against any formation of laitance or imperfect setting of the concrete due to the presence of this excess water. The necessary apertures and air ducts for communication with the chimney air space will be provided in the walls as the same are constructed or built up. The forms which are employed on the inner surface of the side walls may be utilized for pouring the lower floor slab I, provision being made for the necessary marginal apertures therein for communication with the described air channels. The succeeding upper side and end walls and floor slabs are progessively poured and laid after installation of the forms, inserts and reinforcing elements after the lower elements have had opportunity to set and harden in accordance with usual methods of building construction. The roofing slabs are next installed in accordance with the described construction and it will be obvious that as each succeeding wall, roof or floor slab is built, provision is coincidentally made in the shape of the studding members for draining the surplus mixing water of the concrete within the form.

After all the forms are removed the building P a flooring element,

is. immediately in condition without further seasoning, for the installation of the interior Wall and ceiling linings to form the air channels which cooperate with the studding elements to evaporate and remove any moisture remaining in the concrete and which moisture seeps to the surface. As previously described such interior wall insulation is preferably attached as by nailing to the exposed sides of the embedded porous studding members. The various pipes and conduits to provide continuous air circulation from the exterior of the building and independently of the building interior, are next installed in any appropriate or desired manner to complete the structure in which my invention is embodied. As soon as the air ducts are installed to initiate the fresh air circulation the effect of the air on the exposed surface of the concrete slabs is to immediately evaporate the moisture in the slabs, thereby serving to completely dry out the same by the time the decoration and finish of the building is completed. In this manner the completed building is ready for immediate occupancy without danger of encountering unhealthful conditions due to dampness. The roofing slabs 8 may be left smooth as illustrated or may be molded and marked off in sections by suitable corresponding decoration of the forms so as to resemble shingles or any desired decorated roof. The roofing slabs may also project if desired beyond the walls of the building so as to provide eaves portions. The exterior of the building may be painted, stuccoed or otherwise decorated to produce any effect desired.

A house similar in all respects to that illustrated may be formed in accordance with my invention without substantial variance by precasting the various concrete wall and floor sections prior to their erection and assembly in a remote location.

As best seen in Fig. 7, supplemental exterior porous insert members l5 may be provided at spaced intervals on the roof or along the side walls, for the purpose of conveniently attaching F a supplemental roof, such as shingles or the like.

The supplemental insert members W may be employed when desired with equal facility on the exterior surface of the side or end walls when the building is intended to have some further exterior decoration or finish attached thereto.

The roof has been illustrated as formed of two inclined slabs forming what is commonly termed a peaked roof. It will be obvious that the invention contemplates the employment and use of my improvements in buildings having a roof which is flat in its nature or of any desired configuration.

What I claim is:

In a building structure, the combination with side and end wall elements and a flooring element constructed of concrete, of porous cementitious studding members partially embedded in each of said elements and spaced from each other to 1 drain the surplus mixing water of the concrete 1 batch from each of said elements prior to setting hardening of the concrete.

In a concrete building structure, the combination with side and end wall elements and of a plurality of porous studding members embedded in each of said elements and spaced one from another to drain the surplus mixing water of the concrete batch from each of said elements, said porous studding mem bers being constituted of cinder concrete, whereby said surplus moisture is readily absorbed thereby and conducted from'said elements prior to setting and hardening of the concrete of which said elements are composed.

3. A studding element for use in concrete construction, composed entirely of porous cinder concrete, whereby when the studding element is disposed in contact with the concrete when the latter is poured, the porous cells thereof absorb and remove the excess moisture of the semi-fluid concrete mixture before setting of the latter.

4. In a building structure the combination with a structural element of poured concrete of a pluto evaporate surplus moisture from said element.

5. In a building structure the combination with side and end wall elements and a flooring element all constructed of concrete, of a plurality of studding members contacting with each of said elements and spaced one from another to drain the surplus mixing water of the concrete batch from said elements, a sheathing contacting with the outer faces of said studding members to form with said elements spaced air conducting channels, said studding elements ab- 5-,

sorbing and draining excess water from said elements, and means for maintaining continuous air circulation within said channels to cooperate with said studding members to evaporate surplus moisture from said elements before the latter have hardened and set.

6. In a building structure the combination with a concrete structural element of a plurality of porous studding members formed of cinder concrete and contacting with said element and spaced from one another to drain the surplus mixing water of the concrete batch from said element, an insulating sheathing contacting with the exposed faces of said studding. members to form therewith spaced air conducting channels the porous nature of said studding members absorbing and draining excess water from said element before the concrete has set, and means for maintaining continuous air circulation within said channels to cooperate with said studding members to evaporate surplus moisture from said element.

'7. In a building structure the combination with side and end wall elements and a flooring element all constructed of concrete, of a plurality of porous studding members embedded in each of said elements when the latter are poured and spaced one from another to drain the surplus mixing water of the concrete batch from said elements, an interior sheathing of insulating material contacting with the exposed faces of said studding members to form therewith spaced air conducting channels, the porous structure of said studding. members absorbing and draining excess water from said elements, and means for maintaining continuous air circulation within said channels to cooperate with said studding members to evaporate surplus moisture from said elements before the latter have hardened and set, said air circulation being independent of and insulated from the opposite side of said sheathing.

8. In a concrete building the combination of side and end Wall members, a floor slab and a roofing element; a plurality of studding members contacting with each wall member, a plurality of studding members contacting with said floor slab, a sheathing attached to the studding members of each wall member and forming therewith a plurality of upper and lower wall air channels above and below said fioor slabs, a sheathing attached to the studding members of said floor slab and forming therewith a plurality of floor and ceiling air channels communicating at their opposite ends with certain of said wall channels, said floor slab having spaced apertures establishing communication between said upper and lower wall channels, certain of said fioor and ceiling air channels communicating at their sides with said wall channels, a plurality of studding members contacting with the lower surface of said roofing element, a sheathing attached to the latter of said studding members and forming therewith a plurality of roof air channels communicating with the upper of said wall channels, means for introducing and distributing exterior air to the lower wall channels and to said fioor and ceiling channels, and a collecting channel in communication with said roof air channels for receiving the introduced air and discharging same from said building.

9. In a concrete building the combination of side and end wall members, superposed floor slabs and a roofing element; a plurality of studding members embedded in each wall member on the inner side thereof, a plurality of studding members embedded in each floor slab on one side thereof, a sheathing attached to the studding members of each wall member and forming therewith a plurality of upper and lower wall air channels above and below said floor slabs, a sheathing attached to the studding members of each fioor slab and forming therewith a plurality of floor and ceiling air channels, communicating at their opposite ends with certain of said wall channels, each of said fioor slabs having spaced apertures establishing communication between said upper and lower wall channels, certain of said floor and ceiling air channels communicating at their sides with said wall channels, a plurality of studding members embedded in the lower surface of said roofing element, a sheathing attached to the latter of said studding members and forming therewith a plurality of roof air channels, communicating with the upper of said wall channels, a series of ducts for introducing and distributing exterior air to the lower wall channels and to the lowermost of said floor and ceiling channels, and a collecting channel in communication with said roof air channels for receiving the introduced air and discharging same from said building.

10. In a building structure, the combination with side and end wall elements and a' flooring element constructed of concrete, of porous cementitious studding members partially embedded in one of said elements and spaced from each other to drain the surplus mixing water of the concrete batch from said element prior to setting and hardening of the concrete.

11. In a concrete building, the combination with side and end wall elements, superposed floor elements and a roofing element, all constructed of concrete; an inner sheathing spaced from each of said elements to define a plurality of ventilating spaces separated by said sheathing from the interior of the building, the inner exposed surface of at least one wall of each of said ventilating spaces consisting of the concrete of which said wall, floor and roofing elements are respectively composed, said ventilating spaces communicating with each other and with the exterior of the building, whereby continuous fresh air circulation is obtained in contact with the exposed concrete surface partially defining each of said ventilating spaces to absorb moisture from said concrete independently of the air circulation on the interior of the building.

12. In a concrete building, the combination with side and end wall elements, superposed fioor elements and a roofing element, all constructed of concrete; an inner sheathing spaced from each of said elements to define a plurality of ventilating spaces separated by said sheathing from the interior of the building, the inner exposed surface of at least one wall of each of said ventilating spaces consisting of the concrete of which said wall, fioor and roofing elements are respectively composed, said ventilating spaces communicating with each other and with the exterior of the building, means for introducing air from the exterior of the building and distributing the air to the ventilating spaces at the lower portion of the building, and a common collecting space adjacent the roof of the building for receiving the air from all of said ventilating spaces and discharging the same from said building, whereby the moisture present in the exposed surfaces of the concrete elements is absorbed by contact with the currents of air introduced solely through said ventilating spaces.

' GEORGE R. CONAHEY, JR. 

